He may not be the striker that a lot of Arsenal fans were hoping to see come to north London this summer to boost the fire power of the Gunners, but the Croatian Republic international Mario Mandzukic does have a lot going for him. And according to the latest Arsenal transfer rumours he could be available after his current club Juventus beat us to the mega money transfer of Gonzalo Higuain.
Not many centre forwards in the game today can boast a record as proud as the 30-year old, with six league titles with Dinamo Zagreb, Bayern Munich and Juventus. Add in the Champions League, domestic cups, super cups and even a club world cup and Mandzukic has won an enviable 17 trophies, so you would think he would bring a bit of winning know how and experience to go with his undoubted talent.
It may not have gone exactly according to plan since the striker left the Bundesliga champions two years ago but he did score 20 goals in his year with Atletico Madrid and 13 last season for the Italian champions despite their options up front limiting his game time somewhat.
It remains to be seen how keen the Serie A club are to let him go but Metro among others are reporting that a deal could be on the cards. It would not be too expensive and at 30 the striker is still at the top of his game, plus his style of football and attributes make him a like for like replacement for our own Olivier Giroud.
Would you be happy to see Mandzukic as the striker that Arsenal sign this summer?
Bob.